Role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Detection of Microfilariae

An Unusual Presentation of Wuchereria bancrofti infection

“…Proportion of cases in endemic regions neither show microÞ lariae in blood, nor any symptom. [2,4] Blood eosinophil counts within normal range, as observed in our case, was also reported by Varghese et al [3] However, Valand et al [5] demonstrated eosinophilia in their case. These observations suggest that there is no consistent relationship between Þ larial infection and blood eosinophilia, which in turn reß ects the difference in host response to parasite from person to person.…”

“…[2] Similar to our Þ nding, subsequent peripheral examination following cytological diagnosis did not reveal microÞ lariae [2,3] suggest that Þ laria can exist without microÞ laremia. Proportion of cases in endemic regions neither show microÞ lariae in blood, nor any symptom.…”

“…[1] Despite the large number of people affected, it is unusual to Þ nd microÞ laria in routine cytological smear and their recognition is generally considered an incidental Þ nding. [2] We describe a case of a 45-year-old woman presented with a Þ rm indurated subcutaneous swelling measuring 4 x 2.5 cm on the ß exor surface of right arm (Fig. 1).…”

Swelling on the Arm: An Unusual Presentation of Microfilaria

“…Lymphatic filariasis is by far the commonest manifestation and is an important public health problem in India. Diagnosis of filarial infection is frequently made on clinical grounds in endemic areas, but demonstration of microfilariae in circulating blood is the only means by which one can make definitive diagnosis [3,4].…”

Retroperitoneal Filariasis Diagnosed by Fine Needle Aspiration

“…1 Homing of filarial worms in the lymphatics, especially those of the extremities and the spermatic cord, is the rule. 2 Case reports have proven that adult filarial worms live in rare sites, such as thyroid, 3 serous cavities, mesentery and visceral adipose tissue. 4 Clinical presentations are protean, ranging from acute to chronic symptoms and signs manifested as lymphedema of various sites, chyluria or pneumonia.…”